I'm developing an interest in tin toys; not so much the licensed or character stuff, but more the vehicles and animals. A couple years ago, I picked up a bunch of insect tin toys, maybe 10-12 in the lot. I'm finally getting around to photographing them, so I thought I would show them here. Maybe other folks are interested.

From what I know, most of these were made in the post-WWII period. So they're about 60 years old by now. What I find really cool is that you can clearly see the early design influences that would later evolve into stuff like Time Bokan and its successors. Otherwise, don't know much about them.

Here's the first couple from the box:



No idea who made this as there is no logo on the box or stamp on the toy. You can wind it up with a small key on the underside and the wings flap.



Made by a company called Ohta Kasaburo. Not sure how this one works as there is no wind-up mechanism. Might be gravity based.

I'd love to see other tin collections... please post if you have them!

If anyone knows of a good resource for this stuff (books or websites), please let me know.

Popy Dangard A tin wind up 1977

I only have one tin toy book (actually tin Robots) published by Taschen, hope you'll find this one helpful:
http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalog ... n_toys.htm

I know not non-character--and not even vintage--but that first wing-flapping bug reminds me of the rolling, wing-flapping Mothra that Billiken did not so long ago. Lovely pick-ups, Daniel! Definitely a simpler, but still very creative, time...

Wayne, that Danguard is gorgeous!

These were both marked "Made in Occupied Japan" and designated a patent number. I haven't been able to identify the companies. Not sure what patent system the numbering conforms to either.



Walking Beetle. The manufacturer appears to be "T.R.I".

I love the rough, unfinished design of this toy; completely different from the smooth lines and complex lithography of later tins.







May Beetle. The manufacturer is identified by a mark consisting of the letters "SM" in a circle. You might notice that this is the same design as the Flapping Beetle in the first post.

The first beetle up top is the best. There are some amazing wind-up tanks and vehicles from that era (just before the end of the war) and things like really colorful Japanese model cars. The fact they have "Occupied Japan" is solid gold in itself since that was only a limited number of production years.
I like the rocket ships they did.

What wonderful toys! Please favor us with more photos of your insect score - SO nice.